By International Makeup Artist (& gorgeous gal) Ciara O’Shea
As you know, I’m just back from working the couture show in Paris and whom should I see backstage? None other than Jessica Alba. I would love to tell you that she does not live up to her sexy siren image in real life but nothing could be further from the truth. She maintains her girl next-door charm while at the same time oozing sex appeal. Approachable yet highly desirable. What a combination. If you fancy emulating Jessica’s look, here’s how.
Start with the eyes, that way you can take your time and get it right first time. It is vital to use a base for this look to provide hold and stop any creasing later on in the evening. I find that Benefits “Birthday Suit” creaseless cream eyeshadow does a great job, it acts as a base and an eyeshadow. It is super longwearing and complements all eye colours. A total must have. Just pat a light layer all over the eyelid and blend out to the socket bone. Next take a very black eyeliner, kohl preferably and line all along the top lid. Blend it gently with an eyeshadow brush, something like 239 Eye Shader brush from MAC. One of the best investments you will make this summer. Just go easy with the force and pressure you apply when blending and you will get the result you want first time, everytime. I am currently loving Givenchy ‘s “Magic Kohl” black pencil, it has a beautiful silky texture and is super easy to apply. If you can’t get hold of that then try Bourjois’s black kohl eyeliner, it goes on easy and looks elegantly matte on the finish.
False eyelashes are a must. I am addicted to Eyelures individuals. They are so easy to apply and if one falls off it is no big deal. Not like the strip lashes that can be high maintenance. Apply 2 coats of high impact mascara, something like YSL’s “False Lash” or Two Faced ” Lash injection”
Keep eyebrows in place with Givenchy Mister Brow wax pencil.
Foundation needs to be light, flawless and dewy. Chanel’s “Pro Lumiere“ will achieve all this and more. If you need a concealer then keep it in the family with Chanel’s concealer pens, I CANNOT live without these. They hide a multitude of sins. I am staying with Chanel for Bronzer. Anyone who knows me will know of my love for Bronze Universal, a gel bronzer I apply all over with a brush to give a naturally radiant sun kissed feel to the skin. Bring it to life with a little blush. A pale mauve pink works beautifully with this look. Again Givenchy has the best blushes in terms of shades and textures. I am currently carrying around a kit full of them and I can tell you first hand they look amazing on everyone. Well worth hunting down.
Lips are low maintenance, just pop a soft shiny lipstick in a berry shade all over and away you go. The Lipstick Queen does the best on the market; she even has liners and gloss to match every shade should you fancy it.
Shop it…
Lipstick Queen is available at Space NK
Givenchy is available at Dublin Airport and Debenhams
Benefit is available at Brown Thomas and all major retailers
Mac is at Brown Thomas
Two faced is at Boots
Chanel is at Brown Thomas and most major retailers.
ABOUT Ciara O’Shea
London based Irish girl Ciara O’Shea is fast becoming one of the most sought after young artists working in the fashion & beauty realm. Ciara has established an impressive portfolio working across the editorial, catwalk and music industries. She is a regular backstage at fashion weeks in London, New York, Milan and Paris. Ciara’s work has been featured in the pages of Vogue US, InStyle, The Sunday Times Style and RED magazine. She has worked with a range of talent from faces such as Emma Watson, Yasmin Le Bon, Jodie & Jemma Kidd and artists such as The Pussycat Dolls and Little Boots.
Ciara is a partner in the Zoë Clark Make-Up School, for more information on the courses available, visit ZoeClark.com.
